Russia attacks Kherson market, Chernihiv apartment building on Christmas Day

"Russian forces struck a market in Kherson and a residential building in Chernihiv on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, causing multiple civilian casualties, local authorities said.

Ukraine is marking its fourth Christmas under Russia's full-scale invasion. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested a Christmas truce on Dec. 16, a proposal welcomed Kyiv welcomed but Moscow rejected.
In Chernihiv, a drone struck a five-story residential building, killing an 80-year-old woman. Nine others were injured, at least three critically, Ukraine's State Emergency Service and Chernihiv Oblast Governor Viacheslav Chaus said.
The drone hit an apartment on the third floor, causing significant damage and sparking a fire, Chaus said." KI

Zelensky issues veiled insult at Putin in ‘Christmas’ address

"Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky used his Christmas Eve address to wish for a certain unnamed man, presumably Russian President Vladimir Putin, “to perish,” before urging Ukrainians to pray for a greater wish – peace for the country." RT

Another 'Trump-Like' Candidate Is Elected in Latin America

"The recent presidential elections in Honduras felt like the never-ending story in recent weeks,

but we can officially report that Nasry "Tito" Asfura is the winner. He's the conservative candidate who was backed by Trump earlier this year. It was close. Asfura received just over 40% of the vote, while center-right candidate Salvador Nasralla got about 39.5%. The far-left socialist candidate, Rixi Moncada, who was hand-picked by the sitting president received about 19% of the vote.
Tito Asfura's victory is a resounding defeat for narco-socialism and a clear signal that freedom is once again prevailing in Honduras." PJM

Very strong mag. 6.0 Earthquake - 12 km northeast of Taitung, Taiwan

"A very strong magnitude 6.0 earthquake hit 11.9 km (7 mi) away from Taitung, Taiwan, in the afternoon at 5.47 pm local time (Asia/Taipei GMT +8). The depth of the quake could not be determined, but is assumed to be shallow.

The earthquake was felt over a large region.. The shallow depth of the quake caused it to be felt more strongly near the epicenter than a deeper quake of similar magnitude would." VD

5.7 Earthquake - North Pacific Ocean, 239 km southwest of Guam Island

"A strong magnitude 5.7 earthquake occurred in the North Pacific Ocean 218 km (135 mi) from Guam in the early morning at 2.00 am local time (GMT +11). The depth of the quake could not be determined, but is assumed to be shallow. The quake was reported felt by some people near the epicenter." VD

5.1 Earthquake - Norwegian Sea

"A strong magnitude 5.1 earthquake occurred in the Norwegian Sea 340 km (211 mi) from Svalbard and Jan Mayen late in the evening at 10.37 pm local time (GMT +0). The depth of the quake could not be determined, but is assumed to be shallow.
The quake was not felt (or at least not reported so)." VD

52 clashes on front line

"Between the Defense Forces of Ukraine and Russian troops, 52 combat encounters have occurred since the start of the day.
In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors, the invaders have already conducted two attacks, shelled Ukrainian positions and settlements 76 times—including four times with multiple launch rocket systems—and also dropped six aerial bombs.

In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, Russian forces attacked seven times in the areas of Prilypky, Vovchanski Khutory, and Dvorichanske, toward Izbytske, Hryhorivka, and Kolodiazne. Three clashes are still ongoing.
In the Kupiansk sector, the Russians are attempting to advance toward Petropavlivka, Pishchane, and Kupiansk. Four of their attacks have already been repelled.
In the Lyman sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled three enemy attacks in the areas of Novoselivka, Stavky, and Shandryholove.
In the Slovyansk sector, fighting is ongoing in the Siversk area.
In the Kramatorsk sector, no clashes have occurred today.
In the Kostiantynivka sector, the Russian army carried out seven offensive actions near Kostiantynivka, Oleksandro-Shultyne, Pleshchiyivka, and Sofiivka. One of their attacks is still ongoing.
In the Pokrovsk sector, throughout the day, Russian troops tried 11 times to advance on Defense Forces’ positions near Ivanivka, Rodynske, Chervonyi Lyman, Kotlyne, Udachne, Molodetske, Dachne, and Filiya. Three clashes are still ongoing.
In the Oleksandrivka sector, the invaders attacked three times in the areas of Zlahoda, Krasnohirsk, and Pryvilne. Two clashes are still ongoing.
In the Huliaipole sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled nine enemy attacks near Solodke and Huliaipole. Four clashes are still ongoing.
In the Orikhiv sector, the Russians have not conducted any offensive actions today.
In the Prydniprovske sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled an enemy attack toward the Antonivskyi Bridge." Ukrin

Zelensky reveals full 20-point peace plan draft backed by Ukraine, U.S.

"After weeks of talks, Ukraine and the U.S. have prepared a draft of the revised peace plan to

end Russia’s full-scale war.
The initial 28-point plan, which effectively pushed Ukraine toward capitulation, has been reworked into a 20-point framework, which President Volodymyr Zelensky presented to journalists.
In addition, a three-party security guarantee draft between Ukraine, the U.S., and Europe has been developed, as well as a bilateral security guarantee agreement between Ukraine and the U.S. Another document between Kyiv and Washington is focused on economic cooperation and was described as the “roadmap for Ukraine’s prosperity.” KI

5.2 Earthquake 163 km S of Ōyama, Japan

"A strong magnitude 5.2 earthquake occurred in the Philippine Sea 157 km (98 mi) from Japan in the late afternoon at 6.44 pm local time (GMT +9). The quake had a great depth of 337 km (209 mi) and was reported felt by some people near the epicenter." VD

5.6 Earthquake - Coral Sea, 59 km southwest of Gaua Island, Torba Province, Vanuatu

"A strong magnitude 5.6 earthquake occurred in the Coral Sea near Gaua Island island, Vanuatu, in the morning at 7.41 am local time (GMT +11). The quake had a moderate depth of 171 km (106 mi) and was reported felt by some people near the epicenter." VD

One dead in Redding as atmospheric river triggers deadly flooding across northern California

"One person was killed, and several were rescued after torrential rain brought by a strong
atmospheric river caused severe flooding in Redding, northern California. Rainfall totals above 100 mm (4 inches) overwhelmed storm drains and flooded roads." W

126 clashes on frontline over past day

"Ukrainian Defense Forces recorded 126 combat clashes with Russian invading troops along the frontline.
Russian troops carried out air strikes, in particular, on the areas of the settlements of Pokrovske in the Dnipropetrovsk region; Pryluky, Zaliznychne, Charivne, Varvarivka, Huliaipole, Verkhnia Tersa, Rizdvianka, Sviatopetrivka, Novoiakovlivka, and Malokaterynivka in the Zaporizhzhia region; and Zatoka in the Odesa region.
Aircraft, missile troops, and artillery of the Ukrainian Defense Forces struck nine clusters of Russian personnel, weapons, and military equipment, as well as three enemy command posts.

In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors, Ukrainian troops repelled one Russian attack. The enemy carried out two air strikes using eight guided aerial bombs and conducted 153 shelling attacks, including two from multiple launch rocket systems.
In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, Russian forces attempted four times to break through Ukrainian defensive lines near Prylipky and toward Hryhorivka.
In the Kupiansk sector, six enemy attacks took place. Ukrainian defenders repelled Russian assault operations near Kruhliakivka and toward Petropavlivka and Pishchane.
In the Lyman sector, Russian troops carried out five attacks, attempting to break into Ukrainian defenses near Novoselivka, Kolodiazi, and Zarichne.
In the Sloviansk sector, Ukrainian defenders stopped one Russian attempt to advance near Dronivka.
In the Kramatorsk sector, Russian forces conducted no offensive operations.
In the Kostiantynivka sector, Russian troops carried out 16 attacks near Shcherbynivka, Yablunivka, Oleksandro-Shultyne, Kleban-Byk, Rusyn Yar, and toward Sofiivka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian Defense Forces halted 34 enemy assault actions near Nykanorivka, Rodynske, Chervonyi Lyman, Myrnohrad, Pokrovsk, Kotlyne, Udachne, Molodetske, Novoserhiivka, Horikhove, and Dachne.
In the Oleksandrivka sector, Russian forces launched eight attacks near Oleksandrohrad, Sosnivka, Pryvilne, and Rybne.
In the Huliaipole sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled 17 Russian attacks near Huliaipole and toward Dobropillia.
In the Orikhiv sector, Ukrainian troops repelled two Russian attacks near Mala Tokmachka and Stepove.
In the Prydniprovske sector, Ukraine’s Defense Forces repelled two Russian attacks toward the Antonivskyi Bridge." Ukrin

52 civilians, including children, abducted in Sumy Oblast, forcibly taken to Russia

"Russian troops abducted 52 residents, including several children, of the village of Hrabovske in Ukraine's Sumy Oblast, about 200 meters from the Russian border, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

According to preliminary information, on Dec. 18, Russian forces illegally detained about 50 civilians — residents of the village of Hrabovske — holding them without access to communication or adequate conditions. On Dec. 20, they were forcibly taken to Russia.
"I immediately contacted the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation, demanding information about the whereabouts of the illegally deported Ukrainian citizens, details on the conditions of their detention, and their urgent needs, as well as requesting measures for their immediate return to Ukraine. I also sent a letter to the ICRC," Lubinets wrote." KI

6.5 Earthquake - 64 km southwest of Madang, Madang Province, Papua New Guinea

"A very strong magnitude 6.5 earthquake hit 64 km (40 mi) away from Madang, Madang Province, Papua New Guinea, in the evening at 8.31 pm local time (Pacific/Port Moresby GMT +10). The quake had a moderate depth of 110 km (68 mi) and was felt over a large region." VD

More than 200 clashes on frontline

"A total of 205 combat engagements between the Defense Forces of Ukraine and Russian invaders were recorded along the frontline over the past day.
In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors, eight combat engagements took place. In addition, the enemy carried out 136 shelling attacks on Ukrainian military positions and populated areas, including two strikes using multiple launch rocket systems.
In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, Russian forces launched six assaults on the positions of Ukrainian units near the settlements of Sotnytskyi Kozachok, Vovchansk, Dvorichanske, and toward Vilcha and Kolodiazne.
In the Kupiansk sector, Russian invaders carried out 11 attacks. T

he Defense Forces repelled enemy assault actions in the areas of Pishchane, Zahryzove, and toward Kurylivka, Novoplatonivka, and Kupiansk.
In the Lyman sector, Russian forces attacked 10 times, attempting to advance near the settlements of Serednie, Novoselivka, Myrne, and toward Nadiia, Cherneshchyna, Drobysheve, and Stavky.
In the Sloviansk sector, specifically in the areas of Serebrianka, Dronivka, and Siversk, the enemy launched six attacks on Ukrainian positions.
In the Kramatorsk sector, one combat engagement was recorded near the settlement of Stupochky.
In the Kostiantynivka sector, the Russian army carried out 31 attacks in the areas of the settlements of Pleshchiivka, Rusyn Yar, Shcherbynivka, Oleksandro-Shultyne, Kleban-Byk, Sofiivka, and toward Berestok.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian defenders stopped 58 assault and offensive actions by the invaders in the areas of the settlements of Myrnohrad, Rodynske, Pokrovsk, Rivne, Kotlyne, Udachne, Molodetske, Pershe Travnia, Filiia, and toward Sukhetske, Hryshyne, Novopidhordnie, and Novopavlivka.
In the Oleksandrivka sector, the enemy attacked the positions of the Defense Forces 13 times in the areas of the settlements of Vorone, Oleksandrohrad, Rybne, Zlahoda, Pryvilne, and toward Iskra, Vyshneve, and Oleksiivka.
In the Huliaipole sector, the enemy attacked Ukrainian defensive positions 13 times in the area of Solodke, Varvarivka, Huliaipole, and toward Zelene.
In the Orikhiv sector, the enemy attempted to breach the defenses 10 times in the areas of the settlements of Shcherbaky, Stepove, Plavni, and in the direction of Lukianivske and Prymorske.
In the Prydniprovske sector, Russian troops did not conduct any offensive actions." Ukrin